Indicator-operating mechanism.



E. J PAGE. INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Patented June 17, 1913.

E. J. PACE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

Patented June 17, 1913.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

B. J. PACE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

1,064,927,, Patented June 17,1913.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

E. J. PACE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM. APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912,

Patented June 17, 1913.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

muw

m3 IIIIII I g f Z 0 0/ 0:

B. J. PACE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

Patented June 17, 1913.

7 SHEETBSHEET 5.

B. J. PAGE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

1,064,927. Patented June 17, 1913.

E. J. PAGE.

INDICATOR OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 29, 1912.

1,064,927, Patented June 17, 1913.

7 SHEBT8SHEET 7.

UNITED STATES .PAT M I anon .1. raga, or nos enemas, cauroam, assrc voano narrat ng. s'rann'r AND STATION INDICATOR COMPANY, 01 L68 ANGIE TIONOF CALIFORNIA.

INDICATOR-OPERATING KECHANIBI.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application Med May 28, 1818. Serial No. 1%).

Patented June 17, 191?.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, Enonn J. Pace, a citizen of the United States,residing in Los An eles, county of Ins Angeles, State of Caliibrnia,have invented new and useful Im rovements in Indicator-OperatingMechanisms, 'of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to mechanism adapted for operating indicators,signals and the like on moving trains or, in fact, for operating anysort of mechanism where the .initial operating impulse must be derivedmomentarily and where the operated mechanism requires an appreciableduration for its complete cycle of movements.

I am well aware that there have been large numbers of stationindicators, signaling devices and the like heretofore proposed; and I amaware that some of the devices have been experimented with and tried outin practice; but, so far as I know, these de vices have failed ofperfection in operation primarily on account of the lack of suitableactuating mechanisms. For instance, in street and station indicators forcars, there have been many forms of track contacts, switch mechanismsand the like to actuate an indicator; but I do not know of any in whichthere are combined the desirable ualities of sensitiveness, reliability,simplicity of operation, and cheapness of manufacture.

It is the prime object of my present in vention to overcome thedifliculties herein named; and in reaching these objects there have beendeveloped many minor objects which will appear hereinafter.

One of these minor objects is the entire obviation of any sort ofphysical or mechanical contact between any parts on the moving car andany stationary parts on the track.

It also becomes an object to provide such an arrangement as will becertainly operated whenever operation is desired and which will just ascertainly never be oper ated under any other conditions.

Besides these objects, there are others which have to do more directlywith the purely electrical aspect .of my invention; chief among which 18case and certainty in handling the operating current. On the ordinarystreet our current is available at a potential of five hundred volts.Although I use this potential for operating my device,

have made such arrangements that at no time is the full voltagebrokenbythe opersting of any switch. The operation of the device never entirelybreaks the current passlng therethrough; there is always some currentpassing through some part of the mechanism; and I am enabled to makesuch arrangements that the maximum potential between the points. of anyopening switch is about fifteen volts.

These foregoing o jects and many others will be more fully understood byreference to the following specification where I have set forthpreferred forms of my apparatus, and by re erence to. the accompanyingdraw I ings, in which: Figure 1 is a view showing more or lessdiagrammatically an arrangement of one form of my complete device upon acar, showing also the stationary portions of the ;device arranged uponthe track. Fig. 2 is i an enlarged view of portions of the appara tusshown in Fi 1. Fig. 3 is a section taken as indicated by Iine 33 of Fig.2. Fig. 4 is f a section taken as indicated by line 44 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5is a perspective showing an arrangement of what I may term the relay,mechanism of my device. Fig. 6 is a sec ;tional detail thereof taken asindicated by fline 6-6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional v detail takenas indicated by line 7 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a side elevation illustratinwhat I may term the motor mechanism of my device, being a modificationof the forms illustrated in the previous figures. Fig. 9 is alongitudinal section of the same taken in the aspect opposite to that ofFig. 8. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 11 is a section of thesame taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a sectional view showinga modified form of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2. Figs. 13,14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 are diagrams ofelectrical connections of thecomplete device, in various modifications, the parts of which will behereinafter explained. Figs. 19 and 20 are views showing modified formsof the needle mechanism.

Fundamentally, my mechanism consists in: 1) a primary actuating switchadapted to be momentarily moved by some device exterior to the.indicator operating mechanism, this device being in practice a trackcombination which operates the switch virtually instantaneously; (2) amotor, or indicator moving mechanism, which is operatively connectedwith the momentarily actuat d switch and which is started in itsoperauon by the operation of said switch, this motor mechanism requiringan appreciable time for its complete operation; and (3) a means wherebythe motor mechanism holds the primary switch in its operated or abnormal condition during the operation of the motor mechanism and thenrestores the switch at the'end of the motor operation (or, in one of thepreferred forms of the device, the switch mechanism is arranged so thatit will in itself remain in either its normal or, abnormal position, andthe motor mechanism only operates to return the switch from its abnormalto its normal posit-ion). With these fundamentals in mind, I willproceed to explain first the different subsidiary portions or mechanismsand will then explain how they cooperate to produce the desired result.

I will first explain the switch mechanism, shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and12. I employ preferably an electro-magnet 20, which may be either singleor composite as shown in the drawings, which is suspended from a car andpreferably has flexible magnetic conductors 21 depending from its lowerend coming into proximity with a track plate 22 of magnetic material.Track plate 22 is preferably a fiat bar of soft iron; and it may be laidbetween the rails of a track or in any other convenient position. Spacedat some distance from the magnet 20 is a switch mechanism 25 having nodirect magnetic connection with the magnet 20 except when the magnet andthe switch mechanism pass over the track plate 22. Switch mechanism 25is preferably composed of suitable needles 26, forming a single multipleneedle, pivoted at 27 on a shaft which extends transversely across theinterior of an annular magnetizing coil 28. Coil 28 is constantlyexcited so that needle 26 is constantly magnetized. It is essential thatthe relative polarities of the different magnets beproperly maintained;and I have therefore, for purposes of making a clear explanation,assumed the polarities of the different parts to be as illustrated inthe drawing. The coil 28 is mounted in a suitable frame 30 which issecured to and suspended from the car in such relation to magnet 20 thatthe needle will hang over 'one end of plate 22 when the magnet 20 isover the other end of the plate. A flexible magnetic conductor 33 may beprovided for concentrating the lines of force from the magnetic plate 22upon the needle 26; but this is not absolutely necessary. But, in mylatest improved devices, I do not use either of the chains 21 and 33,the magnet and needle hanging about four inches from the plate with aclear gap between. My mechanism is so sensitive that it operatespositively over this gap and still uses a very small amount of current.Beneath the ends of the needle 26 I have shown small electro magnets 34;and above the ends of the needle I have shown larger electro-magnets 35.These magnets, as will be hereinafter explained, are used to hold theneedle 26 in either of its positions and to return it to its normalposition shown in Fig. 2. The needle shaft 27 has a suitable cam 36which engages with a spring arm 37 carrying contact 38 adapted to engagewith contacts 39 and 40. The spring arm 37 acting upon the cam 36 tendsto hold the needle in the position illustrated; and when in thisposition the contacts 38 and 40 are in electrical engagement. But whenthe needle is moved to a position inclined oppositely to the inclinationshown in Fig. 2 the contacts 38 and 39 are electrically engaged. Thesecontacts form the primary switch, which I will designate by the numeral45, whose function is to initially start the operation of the motormechanism.

The operation of this switch mechanism is broadly as follows: Undernormal conditions, the needle 26 remains in the position shown, beingconstantly magnetized by the action of coil 28. The magnet 20 is alsoconstantly energized and is ready to inductively energize the trackplate 22 when it passes to the relative position shown in Fig. 1, overthe track plate. The track plate immediately becomes inductively en-.

ergized and will, according to the polarities indicated in the drawings,have a south polarity at its left hand end in Fig. 1 while the upperright hand end of the needle has a north polarity. This upper right handend of the needle will consequently be attracted downwardly to the plate22, while the lower left hand end of the needle will be repelledupwardly away therefrom. This action will immediately cause the switch45 to change position, i in turn causing the motor mechanism to beginits operation. It will be seen that the passage over the track plate 22is almost instantaneous, and that the needle will not be held in itsabnormal position for any appreciable length of time (in fact, theneedle in my most improved mechanism actually completes its movementlong after the track plate has been left behind receiving but an initialimpulse while over the plate) but the immediate operation of the motoror relay mechanism causes such operation of the magnets 34 and 35 aswill hold the needle 26 in its position oppositely inclined to thatshown in Fig. 2, releasing the needle and allowing it to come to itsnormal position only when the operation of the indicator movingmechanism has been completed. The form of needle shown in Figs. 2 to 4has a tendency, under the action of spring arm 87, to return to itsnormal position; and it therefore requires opposing force to hold it 1nits abnormal ositlon. But I have shown in Fig. 12 a orm of needlemechanism which will remain of itself in either its normal or abnormalposition, and which therefore does not require to be actively held inits abnor-.

mal position. -In this form of needle mechanism I have shown an annularma etizing coil 28 and a needle'26 ivote therein similarly to thatbefore escribed. The needle 26' is of curved configuration so as toconformm0! e*=closely to the natural curvature of the lines of forcepassing therethrough. (I have found that this form of needle is muchmore efficient than the straight needle.) I have found that the need e,if perfectly balanced with regard to gravitational influence, has atendency to be magnetically drawn either tothe position shown in Fi 12or to theposition oppo sitely incline that is, the magnetizing coil 28tends to draw the needle to a position where some of its portions willbe as close as possible to the inner periphery of the coil.Consequently, the needle is in unstable magnetic equilibrium in anyposition interme iate its two terminal positions. I have, in this formof needle, provided a switch mechanism 45 which has little or no tendency to return the needle to the position shown in Fig. 12, having but avery light s rin 45 for returnin 'it (the switch P a g mechanism) to thenormal position shown in Fig. 12. Wit-h this form of needle it will beseen that, once in its abnormal position, there is required no positiveforce to hold it therein; and I therefore only provide a means forreturning the needle to its normal position after complete operation ofthe motor mechanism. This is practically provided in a small singleelectro-magnet 34" arranged above one end of the needle and having apolarity to repel the needle to the position illustrated in Fig. 12. Inthe form of device shown in Fig. 12 I have also illustrated a smallcompensator winding 50 wound around a concentrating core 51. Thisconcentrating core is primarily for the purpose of concentrating thelines of force from the track plate to the needle, serving the samepurpose as may be served by flexible magnetic conductor 33 shown in Fig.2. The compensator winding 50 is arranged around this core more forconvenience than for any resultant effect, the winding being aseffective without a core as with one. This compensator has apolarity torepel the needle and tend to oppose its movement to its abnormalposition; but its winding is so arranged that its opposition isrelatively feeble. In practice I constantly excite the magnet 20, themagnetizing coil 28 or 28 and the compensator magnet 50; and I soconnect them into a common electrical circuit. that the same voltagefluctuations affect them together. Thus, if the voltage should rise andthe action of the needle consequently tend to become quicker, theopposing force of magnet 50 would also become greater and would morestron ly oppose the action of the needle and t ereby tend to hold it tonormal speed of action. I am enabled to maintain the needle movement ata virtually constant moderate speed in spite of the large voltagefluctuations connnon in trolley car circuits.

The operation of the form of needle shown in Fig. 12 is similar to thatof the form shown in Fig. 2, with the exceptions noted. The needlerestoring magnet 34 is energized when the motor mechanism has completedits action and all of the mechanisms are ready to be restored to normalposition.

I will now explain the mechanical features of the motor mechanism, andof the relay mechanism which may be operated in conjunction therewith;and I will first explain a relay mechanism which I have used inconnect-ion with indicator mechanisms of various types, and will thenexplain the form of mechanism in which the indicator motor mechanism andthe relay mechanism are all combined into one complete piece ofmachinery. Referrin particularly to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, I have sfiown aself contained relay mechanism which is operated from, and is incombination with, a form of switch mechanism shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4which in turn is directly connected with an indi cator or othermechanism, causing its operation. In this form of relay mechanism,designated generally by the numeral in Fig. 1, 71 designates the baseplate upon which I have mounted the magnets and switches of themechanism. I provide a suitable main switch 72 which remains normallyclosed in the position shown in Fig. 5. This switch is operated by apivoted switch arm 73 whose free end hangs over a longitudinally movablearmature 74 contained within and actuated by two solenoids 75 and 76.Normally, both these solenoids are energized and the core 74 is held ina central position, which position allows the switch arm 73 to fall andthe switch 72 to be closed. Upon the beginning of the actuation (this isone of the first results of the operation of the primary switch 45), thesolenoid 76 is deenergized and the armature 74 is consequcntl drawnupwardly, moving the switch arm 73 and opening the switch 72.- One ofthe effects of opening switch 72 is to energize a small switch holdingmagnet 77, which acts to attract armature 78 on the end of switch arm 73and to hold the switch 72 open until the magnet 77 is denergized. Thesolenoid 75 remains energize-d constantly, being simply a means toconstantly magnetize the armature 74 so that it will act with greatspeed and precision. Mounted upon the base plate 71 is another solenoid80 operating a switch 81 which I may term the time switch of my device.The opening of switch 72 causes the energization of solenoid 80 andcauses its armature core 82 to be drawn upwardly. This core may bearranged in the form of a piston loosely fitting within a cylinder 83 sothat the air resistance to its upward movement will cause that movementto be slow. A stem 84 projects upwardly through the solenoid and carriescontact 85 on its upper end adapted to engage a contact 86 at theend ofits movement. The movement of the armature 82 may be'regulated to takeeither a short or long time; and in this form of mechanism I arrange tohave sufficient time between the initial energization of solenoid 80 andthe closing of switch 81 to allow the indicator mechanism time forcomplete actuation. The closing of time switch 81 causes the beginnin ofthe action which restores all of the different parts to their normalcondition; it'first causes the suitable action of magnets 34 and 35 toreturn the needle to its normal position; and the return of the needleto its normal position immediately causes the switch 72 to be closed. Atthe same time that current is supplied to solenoid 80 by the opening ofswitch 72 current is also supplied to a small magnet 90 which serves toclose a normallyopen switch 91. How this is accomplished will behereinafter explained. This switch 91 has its two contacts connectedwith binding posts 92 and 93, and the indicator mechanism connectedthereto may be of any preferred character; it may take a longer orshorter period for its actuation and the time switch 81 will beregulated accordingly. \Vhen the time switch closes it cuts off thecurrent from magnet 20 and allows the switch 91 to open thusdiscontinuing current to the relay mechanism. I have also shown in Fig.5 a relay comprising a relay magnet 95 and a relay switch 96. It will behereinafter explained how this relay is used to merely retard thedeenergization of magnet 77 and to consequently retard the final closingof switch 72.

From the foregoing the fundamental op erations of my indicator actuatingmechanism will be seen. There is first the operation of the primaryswitch, causing the beginning of operation of a mechanism which causesthe operation of the indicator; next there is the operation of anarrangement which allows the indicator suflicient time in which to becompletely operated; and finally there is the restoring operation forall of the mechanisms. I have described the mechanical features of aform of device in which the indicator mechanism is mechanicallyindependent of the switch or relay device; but I shall now describe aform of devicein which the indicator motor mechanism and the relay orswitch mechanisms (not the primary or needle switch) are combinedmechanically into one machine. I will refer now particularly to Figs. 8,9, 10 and 11, wherein I have shown a form of mechanism which I preferfor simplicity over the form before described. In these figures 100designates a suitable base plate upon which the complete mechanism maybe mounted, 72 designates a switch which corresponds in action andfunction to switch 72 just described, and 101 designates the motormechanism which actually moves the indicator or other device. The timeswitch corresponding to time switch 81 is designated by the numeral 81and its action will be hereinafter described. The switch 72 is operatedin the same manner as that in which switch 72 is operated but thesolenoids and magnets are differently mechanically arranged. Thesolenoids 75 and 76 are arranged practically as before described, thecore 746 being operated in the same manner as core 7 4. Switch arm 7 3is raised by core 74, the arm being pivoted medially at 73 and theswitch 72 opening by downward movement of its contact mounted on thearm. The holding magnet 77 is arranged beneath the switch arm 7 3 andhas a small armature core '77" connected by a chain 7 7, or otherwise,to arm 7 3. The electrical operation of these parts is as beforedescribed. In this form of device now being described the time switch isoperated directly by the indicator motor instead of being operated by adevice which is regulated to act synchronously with the indicator. Inthe form shown in Fig. 5 the time switch is regulated so, that it willnot close until the indicator has had ample time in which to completelyoperate; but in the form shown in Fig. 8 the indicator motor 101 itselfoperates the time switch when it reaches the end of its travel. Themotor mechanism includes any suitable form of field magnets 103 havingfield windings 104 and having poles 105. A b'i-polar armature 106 haswindings 107 (forming in effect a single winding) and normally standswith its poles in a horizontal plane while the field poles are in a vertical plane. The armature is normally held in this position by asuitable weight; and in practice I have made this armature so easilymovable that a small lug 108, which I use for attraction purposes toregister the armature in position, is sufficient to throw the armatureback to its normal position. This lug 108 is mounted on the normallyunder side of a two ring commutator 109 and is adapted to be attractedby a magnet 110, the armature being thus held securely in its normalposition without any mechanical stops. The armature and commutator aremounted on a sleeve 111 which normally is rotatable upon the main shaft112. The armature may rotate without rotating the shaft 112. Oncommutator 109 I have provided two switch operating pins 113 which areset at different radial distances from the shaft 112. These pins areeach adapted to engage the suitably positioned end 114 of one of springswitch pieces 115-. These spring .switch pieces are mounted so thattheir ends are normally in contact and so that a slight movement of oneof them away from the other will break that contact. A rotation of thearmature through a quarter revolution will cause one of pins 113 toengage one of the ends 114 of contacts 115 and to move that one of thecontacts away from the-other. This will cause an opening of the switch81 and cause a restoration of all of the parts of the mechanism to theiroriginal normal positions after a complete operation of the motormechanism 101. The operation of these parts will be hereinafterdescribed.

In the form of mechanism herein shown I have provided a clutch member120 which is slidable upon shaft 112 but rotatably locked thereto. Thismember 120 has four magnetic clutch pins or studs 121 engageable withtwo magnetic studs 122 which are mounted upon the armature 106.Normally, the clutch member 120 is held to the right in Fig. 9 by theaction of a magnet 123, the magnet attracting it in that direction.This, however, is only one function of this magnet, its other functionbeing to normally hold open a switch 124 which, by its closure,deenergizes the magnet 110 which is normally energized. The opening ofswitch 72 causes the energization of the armature and the deenergizationof the magnet 123. The clutch member 120 is attracted by the armature tothe left in Fig. 0 until two of its studs 121 engage the two studs 122,being magnetically held in contact therewith. The magnet 110 isenergized and holds the armature accurately in position until the clutchmember 120 has completed its movement and the clutch studs 121 and 122are engaged. The switch 124 then closes and causes the deenergization ofmagnet 110. This magnet. in addition to holding the armature normally inposition. also normallyholds closed a switch 130 which controls by itsopening admission of current to the field coils of motor mechanism 101.This switch 130 is operated by having one of its contacts mounted on aspring switch arm 131 which also carries an armature 132 normallyattracted by the lower pole of magnet 110. When the magnet isdeenergized, this switch 130 opens and throws current through the fieldcoils.

The armature is then rotated through a quarter revolution until itspoles come opposite the field poles. Commutator 109 is of the simplering sort, a pair of brushes 1051 sutticing for carriage of current tothe rings of the commutator and thence to the armature, the passage ofcurrent through the armature coils being always in the same direction.The armature in making its quarter revolution carries with it the clutchmember 120 which rotatively carries the shaft 112, this shaft being theprimary shaft of the indicator mechanism. In Fig. 8 I have shown shaft112 equipped with a worm 112 for engagement with a worm wheel of theindicator'mechanism. When the armature has completed its quarterrevolution its entire stroke-the time switch 81 is opened and thiscauses current to be supplied, in a manner hereinafter described tomagnet 34* (see Fig. 12) and causes the needle 26 to immediately returnto its normal position. This throws switch 45 to its normal position andcauses the switch 72 to be immediately closed.

I will now explain the operations of the different forms of device whichI have described, showing their electrical connections, and explainingfurther what is fundamental and what is less important in the completedevice. For sake of simplicity in descrip tion I will begin with Fig.10, which shows diagrammatically the electrical connections of the formof device shown in Figs. 1, 2, and T. In this figure I have describedthe different parts by the same numerals as given them in the otherfigures. Current passes first from any suitable source, say the trolley,through wire 150 to magnet 20. After passing through the magnet thecurrent continues through wire 151 to solenoid 75 and thence by wire 152to energizing coil 28. The current is then carried by wire 153 tosolenoid 80, then by wire 151 to magnet 90 and thence by wire 155 tomagnets 35. Between magnets 35 and 31 a wire 15G. connects and then awire 157 leads to switch holding magnet 77. From this magnet wire 158leads to solenoid 76 and thence a wire 159 leads to relay magnet 95.From relay magnet 95 a wire 100 leads to ground 161. This circuitconnects in series all the magnets and solenoids and coils in thecomplete device; and for purposes of illustration I have shown thiscircuit heavier than the showings of other wires, but this is not to betaken to illustrate that the wires of the series circuit are heavierthan the others. I have shown the switch 45in this view and have shownthat Contact 38 is connected by a wire 105 to wire 159 between solenoid71'; and magnet 95; while contact 40 of switch 45 is connected by a wire100 to ground wire 160. Contacts 38 and 40 being normally in engagement,it will be seen that the normal path of the current will be around themagnet 95, leaving magnet 95 normally deenergized. The magnet 95 whendeenergized leaves its relay switch 96 normally closed. Relay switch 96is connected b wires 172 and 173 around holding magnet 77 and thusnormally denergizes the holding magnet 77 Whenever relay magnet 95 isdeenergized, holding magnet 77 is consequently denergized; and theobject of this relay arrangement is simply to provide a time elementbetween the movement of switch 45 and the energization or denergizationof magnet 77. For urposes of simplicity the magnet 77 may e connected incircuit in place of the magnet 95, and I have shown such an arrangementin some of the other views and will hereinafter describe it. The othercontact 39 of switch 45 connects by wire 167 to wire 158 so that, whenthe contacts 38 and 39 are in engagement the current will flow from wire158 through wire 167, contact 39, contact 38, wire 165, wire 159, magnet95 and wire 160 to ground 161. It will thus be seen that the action ofswitch 45 is merely to cause the alternate energization of the solenoid76 and magnet 77; and from the foregoing description of the mechanicalfeatures of this device it will be remembered that this will cause theimmediate opening and closing of switch 72. Switch 72 is connected onone side by wire 170 to wire 158 between relay magnet 95 and solenoids76; and on the other side is connected by wire 171 to wire 153 betweenmagnetizing coil 28 and time switch solenoid 80. Switch 72 is normallyclosed and it will be seen that the current will thus be normally cutout from solenoid 80, indicator switch magnet 90, ma nets 35 and 34, andholding magnet 77; and, upon the opening of switch 72 as herein-- beforedescribed, the current will immediately be sent through all of theseparts. The sending of current through switch magnet 90 will immediatelycause the operation of switch 91 and cause the supply of current to theindicator, or other device, to start its operation. The su pl of currentto solenoid 80 will immediate y start the time operation of the timeswitch 81. This time switch 81 is connected on one side by wire 175 towire 156 between magnets 34 and 35 and on the other side by wire 176 towire 154 between solenoid 80 and magnet 90. Ordinarily switch 81 is o n;but when it is finally closed, current wil pass through it in preferenceto passin through magnets 90 and 35. The man t of this action will be toout current 05 from the switch magnet 90 and cause the opening of switch91, to cut of! current from coils 35 and cause the return of needle 26as will be described.

When the needle first moves from the position illustrated to theposition oppositely inclined, neither the magnets 35 nor the magnets 34are supplied with current, as the switch 72 is closed and current flowsaround through its circuit rather than through either of -these magnets.The immediate effect of the movement of the needle has been described tobe the opening of switch 72. This immediately causes current to flowthrough both magnets 34 and 35. The needle then stands in the positioninclined oppositely to that shown in Fig. 2; and magnets 34 and 35 areso wound that their resultant magnetic action is to hold the needle inthis abnormal position. The magnets 34 are so wound that they tend tomove the needle back to its normal position; while the magnets 35 are sowound that they tend to hold the needle in its abnormal position. Butthe efl'ect of magnet 35 is much eater than that of magnets 34, so that,w en all the magnets are energized the resultant magnetic force willhold the needle in its abnormal position. Takin the polarities of theneedle as indicated, is arrangement would require the right hand magnet34 to have a north upper polarity to repel the adjacent end of theneedle, and the left hand magnet 34 to have a north upper polarity toattract the adjacent end of the needle; and while right hand magnet 35would have a north lower clarity to repel the north end of the need e,"and left hand magnet 35 would have a north lower polarity to attractthe south end of- .the needle. When the needle is in its abnormalposition and current is supplied to all of the magnets then the needlewill beheld in that position until current is cut off from magnets 35 bythe closing of switch 81.-j When this is done and current still flowsthrough magnets 34, the needle will be returned to its normal position.In returning to its normal position it will throw switch 45 so thatcontacts 38 and 40 will engage and thus cause the cutting off of currentthrough the relay magnet 95. Cutting of current through the relay magnet95 causes the immediate closure of relay switch 96 which causes thecutt' oil of current from holding magnet 77. tding et 77 imting oficurrent from ho me iately allows the switch arm 3 to dro and, solenoids76 havin been energized y the movement of switc 45, the core 74 is drawndownwardly to its osition as shown in Fig. 6 and the main switch 72 isallowed to close. The parts are then all in their normal positions readyfor another actuation. 7

It will be seen that, if relay magnet 95 and switch 96 are omitted therewould be a tendency for ma et 77 to immediatel drop the switch arm 3without any time ement enterin into the operation; and that the switc 72would be closed practically simultaneously with the completion ofmovement 18 mom? of the needle 26 and switch 45. In some cases wherethere has been this sort of synchronism between switch 72 and needle 26there has been caused a rebounding effect of the needle 26, causing itnot to stop when it had again reached its normal position but to moveback toward its abnormal position again. This, although it does notalways occur when the relay 95 is omitted, is entirely done away with bythe inclusion of this simple relay.

In the foregoin I have described my complete device wit all the detailsof structure and with all of the minor subsidiary parts.

I It will be seen that certain portions of the device may be omitted, atleast so far as the fundamental operation is concerned; and I have shownin Figs. 13, 14 and 15 funda- 90 mental forms of electrical arrangementsomitting the minor details. For instance,

in Fig.- 15 I have omitted the magnets 34 and 35 which act to hold theneedle in position during the stroke of the indicator. Although, inpractice, these magnets are very necessary, it may be conceived thatthey may be omitted if the track plate were made long enough to keep theneedle in its abnormal position throughout the indicator operation. 9 Inthis figure the wire 153 leading from the magnetizing coil 28' leadsdirectly to the indicator switch magnet 90 and thence a wire 154* leadsto the time switch solenoid 80. The connections of the two switches 72and 81 will be seen to be the same as before, switch 81 merely bridgingthe indicator switch magnet 90 and also the magnetizing coil 28'. Whenthe time switch 81 closes it thus cuts out current from the magnetizing0 coil and allows the needle to be moved back to its normal Thus, undert 'ese conditions, the operation of the needle becomes this: It is movedto its abnormal position by magnetic traction through the track plateand is there held in that position by the track plate influence or isheld in that position by the influence of its own magnetizin coil as hasbeen previously explained or the form shown in Fig; 12. Spring arm 37has a constant tendency to bring the needle back to its nor malposition; and when the magnetic attraction on the needle ceases eitherby reason of the needle passin away from the track I56 plate or by its(e-magnetization by' deenergizing coil 28', the needle will be returnedto its normal position by the spring arm 37 acting on the cam 36.

In'Fig. 14 I have shown practically the 60 same arran ment as is shownin Fig. 15 excepting t at therein I have omitted the relay magnet 95 andswitch 96 and have placed the holding magnet 77 in the position formerlydescribed as bein occupied by 66 the relay magnet. It has been escribedhow sition by the spring arm 37.

the relay simply acts as a time element between the switch 45 and theholding magnet 77, and how the magnet 7'7 is always supplied withcurrent when the relay magnet is supplied with current. Consequently the70 su stitution of the magnet 77 for the magnet 95 merely means adifference in time of action and not in fundamental operation. In Fig.14 this makes the wire 157' connect directly with the wire 158.

In Fig. 13 I have shown the simplest form of all the forms of mechanismexplained embodying the fundamentals of my device. As compared with Fig.14 there is an omission of the switch solenoid and of the in- 81)dicator magnet 90. This leaves only the magnetizin coil 28* bridged bythe time switch 81" an only the time switch solenoid bridged by mainswitch 72 In the operation of this fundamental arrangement the g5.needle would be held in position ei.her by magnetic attraction from thetrack plate or by the action described with relation to its magnetizingcoil. Upon cessation of either the track plate influence or themagnetizing influence, the needle would immediately resume its normalposition under the action of its spring switch arm. The solenoid 75 isomitted from this diagram as I have found it possible to omit it fromthe actual machine. The function of solenoid 75 is, as before stated,merely to magnetize the core 74 so that it may act more positivel thanit would otherwise; but this is not a solutely essential to theoperation of the device. The magnet 90 has been omitted merely forpurposes of simple illustration andamember90 has been inserted. Thismember may illustrate any part or whole of an indicator mechanism, andit will be seen that it will have current for its operation for a len hof time depending on the time taken by time switch 81 to close. In fact,the indicator switch magnet 90 might be described as a part of anindicator; it is largely for convenience of arrangement that the magnet90 and switch 91 are mounted on the base board with the relay mechanismrather than in the indicator itself. Fig. 13 thus best illustrates thefundamentals of my arrangement and the opera- 1 .5 tion thereof. It willbe seen that there is never a time at which the circuit through thedevice is opened. Current is normally flowing through the magnet 20 themagnetizing coil 28, and the solenoid 76. When 1% the switch 45 movesfrom its normal position it only breaks that voltage which is thedifference in potential on the opposite sides of magnet 77*; when switch72 opens it only breaks a voltage which is the difference in 126potential on the opposite sides of the two parts 80 and 90*; and whenthe time switch 81 breaks after being temporarily closed, it only breaksthat potential which is the difference in voltage at the points onopposite 130 sides of members 90 and 28". I have thus arranged that thevoltage broken by any of the switchesshall be very small; in ractice Ihave been able to thus provide or very lon switch life. In fact,throughout the mec anism described I have provided for almost indefinitelife, as there are very few parts subjected to any degree of wear. Iwish to emphasize the simple electrical connections of this device,especially the series connections of all of the parts and the simplefeature of cutting out those parts by merely making a by-path or shuntaround them.

In Figs. 17 and 18 I have shown the electrical connections for the formor device shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 and for the form of switchmechanism shown in Fig. 12. I will refer first to the diagram of Fig.18. Here I have shown a magnet 20 to which current is led through wire150 and from whence a wire 151 leads to coil 7 5. A wire 152 then leadsto the magnetizing coil 28, which coil may either correspond to coil 28of Fig. 12 or to coil 28 of Fig. 2. Thence a wire 153 leads to thecompensator magnet 50 and thence a wire 200 leads to magnet 110. Thencea wire 201 leads to field coils 104 from which wire 202 leads toarmature coil winding 107. From this armature coil winding wire 203leads to needle restoring coil 34 (corresponding to coil 34 in Fig. 12)whence a wire 204 leads to coil 76 corresponding to coil 76 of the firstdescribed mechanism. From here on to the ground 161 the connections arethe same as described for Fig. 13, the wire 167 connecting with wire 204on one side of coil 7 6 and the Wire 165 connecting with wire 159 on theother side of coil 7 6. Wire 159' leads from coil 76 to clutch holdingmagnet 77 and from thence the wire 160 leads to ground 161 The switch 45corresponds with the switch 45 of Fig. 12, having stationary contacts 40and 39 and having a movable contact 38.

In the operation of this device the switch 45 is moved in the mannerhereinbefore described and the needle 26 (see Fig. 12) is held in itsabnormal position by the action of coil 28*. The switch holding magnet77 is energized and the switch solenoid 76 is denergized, causing theopening of switch 72 This switch 7 2 is connected by wires 170 and 171so as to bridge around the armature holding magnet 34 the armaturewinding 107 and the field coils 104, preventing them normally fromreceiving current. The magnet 123 ma be placed in the circuit of wire171 so t at it receives current only when the switch 72 is closed.Immediately upon the beginning of operation of the motor mechanism theswitch 72 opens and the magnet 123 is denergized. As hereinbeforeexplained, theonly function of the magnet 123 is to normally hold theclutch member 120 to the right in Fig. 9 and hold the switch 124 open. Iprefer to employ a magnet 123 instead of a spring or other device fornormally holding these parts as shown in Fig. 9, the magnetic actionbeing more positive and allowing of free movement when the magnet isdeenergized. The closure of switch 124 causes the deenergization ofmagnet 110, the switch 124 being connected by wires 205 and 206 to forma shunt around the magnet 110. Magnet 110 when de'elnergized immediatelyreleases the switch 130 and allows it to open. Switch 130 is normallyclosed and is connected by wires 207 and 208 to normally form a by-patharound the field coils 104. Immediately this switch 130 opens the fieldcoils are energized and the armature is started in its rotation. Whenthe armature has rotated its full quarter revolution then the switch 81(the same as switch 81' in Fig. 9 and corresponding to the time switch81 in Fig. 16) is opened and current is thereby passed through needlereturning magnet 34*. Switch 81 is connected by wires 209 and 210 tonormally form a by-path around the magnet 34. When current is suppliedto this magnet it immediately restores the needle to position and thiscauses the closing of switch 72 and the deenergization of all themechanisms paralleled by that switch. The armature immediately resumesits normal position, and is held in position by the tractlon of magnet110. The magnet 123 is energized and draws the member 120 away from thearmature so that it is not rotated backward with the armature, and theswitch In Fig. 17 I have illustrated a simplified.

form of the diagram of Fig. 18. omitting the compensator 50, the switchsolenoid 7 5 the armature holding magnet 110 and its correspondingswitch 124, the magnet 123, and the switch 130 which is operated by theholding magnet 110. The operation of the needle and switch mechanismremains as before, the magnet 34 returning the needle to place afteroperation. The current in Fig. 17 is simultaneously admitted to thearmature and field windings and the switch 81 is operated by thearmature after it has turned a quarter revolution. This causes the.return of the needle to its normal position and causes the closing ofswitch 72 which allows the armature to resume its normal position. Forthis purpose it is only necessary to assume that the armature is loadedor over-balanced (which it is) to return to its normal position whenacting under gravitational influence alone. So far as the devices whichgo to make the mechanical connection between the armature 1.76- and theshaft 112, they might be made in any suitable manner-but, at any rate,they have little to do with the fundamental electrical operation of thedevice. i

I have shownthe diagram of Fig. 17 articularly' with a View to makingcomparison between it and the diagram of Fig. 13. It will be seen thatthe arrangement of the switch and needle mechanism is the same in bothdiagrams; that the main switch 72.

bridges a time element in each of the diagramsfor it bridges the timeswitch soleneid in Fig. 13 and it bridges the armatime and fieldwindings in Fig. l7-and that the time switches in each case control thereturn of the needle to position, in Fig. 13 merely cutting oil themagnetic influence allowing the needle to return to position' underspring action, and in Fig. 17 mechanically fi'ircing the needle backinto place. The parallel between the two forms of device is thus easilyseen; and it will be noted that the fundamental of connection of thedifferent elements in a main series circuit and of shunting aroundcertain ele ments is common to all of the forms described.

In Figs. 19 and 20 l have shown modified forms of needle mechanisms. InFig. 19 there is shown a needle 26* within magnetizing coil 28*. Needlereturning magnet 34" is of a design different from those beforedescribed. It is in nature a consequent pole magnet, presenting a-sonthpolarity at each pole 34 0; and thereby attracting the north andrepelling the south end of the needle to move to its normal position.

In Fig. 20 I have shown a needle 26" which is in client a corelessmagnet, the body 260 being preferably a thin mica strip which carriesmagnet coils 28". The action of this form of needle may be the same asof the other forms described. excepting that it is held in any positionby its own inertiait has no preference for any position over any other.

Having described my invention, I claim:

'1. In combination, switch mechanism mounted on a moving object, saidswitch mechanism comprising a I primary switch having a normal y closedposition, magnetic means for opening said switch, electro magnetic meansfor causing the return of said switch to closed position, a limitedmovemen-t electro-motor, means controlled by the primary switch toelectrically energize the motor when the switch is opened, meanscont-rolled by the operation of the motor to electrically energize theswitch closing means together with a stationary means located in the athof movement of themoving object or controlling the magnetic switchopeninrr means.

2. In combination, switch mechanism ammo on a moving object, a" trackmember located in the path of said object,- said switch mechanismcomprising a prlmary switch, magnetic means for moving said switch saidmagnetic means becoming 0 crative when passing over slaid track mem er,

electromagnetic means for returning said switch, a limited movementeIectro-motor,

means controlled by, the movement of the primary switch to electricallyenergize the motor and means controlled by the motor to electricallyenergize said switch returning means.

3. In combination, switch mechanism mounted on a moving ob'ject saidswitch mechanism comprising a pr1ma'ry switch having a normally closedposition, a limitedly movable magnetic needle adapted to remain ineither of its extreme positions and cooperating with the primary switchto close it when in one extreme position and to open it when in theother, magnetic means to more the needle nomm'ie' position to theother,- electro-magnetic means for returning the needle a limitedmovement elcctro-motor (fontlffl le fl by the primary switch toelectrically energize said needle returning means and a stationarymember over which and in spaced relation to which said mag netic meansmoves and by which said ma netic means is controlled.

4. In combination,- a switch mechanism mounted upon a moving object andcomprising a primary switch, a limitedly movable magnetic needle ada tedto remain in either of it'seXtreme positions and coiiperating' with theprimary Switch to close it when in one extreme position and to open itwhen in the other, electromagnetic means for returning the needle, alimited movemen-t electro-motor controlled by the primary switch and aswitch operated by the electro-moto'r at the end of its movement, saidswitch controlling the needle returning means together with a stationarymember over which and in spaced relation to which said movable magneticneedle moves and by which the same is actuated to open the pri maryswitch.

5. In combination, a primary switch, a limitedly movable magnetic needleadapted to remain in either of its extreme positions cotlperating withthe primary switch to close it when in one extreme position and to openit when in the other, magnetic means act-- ing through a relativelyshort time period to move the needle from its position in which theprimary switch is closed to its position in which the primary switch isopen, electromagnetic means for returning the needle to its position inwhich the primary switch is closed, a limited movement electro-motorrequiring time for its operation, a normally closed switch opened by theelectro-motor at the end of its movement, a series circuit including theelectro-motor and the electromagnetic needle returning means, a shuntcircuit from said series circuit around the elect-ro-motor and includinthe primary switch, and a shunt circuit rom said series circuit aroundthe electro-magnetic needle returning means and includin said normallyclosed motor operated swltch.

6. In combination, a' primary switch, a limitedly movable pivotedmagnetic needle adapted to remain in either of its extreme.

positions and cooperating with the primary switch to close it when inone extreme position and to open it when in the other, magnetic meansacting upon the needle through a relatively short time period to move itfrom its position in which the primary switch is closed to its positionin which the primary switch is open, an electro-magnet adapted whenenergized to return the needle to its position in which the primaryswitch is closed, a limited movement electro-mot-or requiring arelatively long time for its operation, a normally closed switch openedby the motor at the end of its movement, a series circuit including theelectromotor and the needle returning electro-magnet, a shunt circuitfrom the series circuit around the electro-motor and including theprimary switch, and a shunt circuit from the series circuit around theneedle returning electro-magnet and including the motor operated switch.

7. In combination, switch mechanism mounted upon a moving object, saidswitch mechanism comprising a primary switch havin a normally closedposition, a pivoted llmitedly movable magnetic needle cooperating withthe primary switch to close it when in one extreme position and to openit when in the other, magnetic means to move the needle from oneposition to the other, a limited movement electro-n'lotor controlled bythe primary switch and electro-magnetic means controlled by the movementof the electro-motor to impart a return movement to said needle.

' 8. In combination, a primary switch having a normal closed position,means acting through a relatively short interval to open said switch,electro-magnetic means for closing said switch, a limited movement-'electro-motor, a normally closed switch opened by the motor at the endof its movement, a series circuit including said switch closing meansand said motor, a shunt circuit from the series circuit around the motorand including the primary switch, and a shunt circuit from the seriescircuit around the switch closing means and including the motor operatedswitch.

9. In combination, a primary switch having a normal closed position,magnetic means for opening said switch, electro-magnet-i0 means formagnetically causing the return of said switch to closed position, alimited movement electro-motor, a switch opened by said motor at the endof its movement, a series circuit including said electro-magnetic switchreturning means and said electro-motor, a shunt circuit connected tosaid series circuit around said switch returning means and including themotor operated switch, and a shunt circuit from said series circuitaround said electromotor, said shunt circuit adapted to be caused to beopened and closed by the operation of the primary switch.

10. In combination, a primary switch having a normal closed position,magnetic means for opening said switch, electro-magnetic means forreturning said switch to closed position, a normally closed main switch,electro-magnetic means for operating said main switch, a limitedmovement electromagnetic mechanism, a normally closed switch operated bysaid electro-magnetic mechanism at the end of its movement, a mainseries circuit including the primary switch returning means the mainswitch operating means and the limited movement electro-magneticmechanism, a shunt circuit from the mainseries circuit around the switchreturning means and including the switch operated by the limitedmovement mechanism, a shunt circuit from the main primary circuit aroundthe main switch operating means and including the primary switch, and ashunt circuit from the main primary circuit around the limited move- 100ment mechanism and including the main switch. a

11. In combination, a primary switch, a pivoted magnetic needlecooperating with said switch and adapted by its movement to 105 open andclose the switch, a magnetizing coil surrounding said needle, magneticmeans acting through a relatively short period to move said needle toopen the primary switch, electro-magnetic means to re- 110 turn saidneedle to close the primary switch,

a limited movement elect-ro-motor requiring a relatively long period forits operation, normally closed switch opened by said motor at the end ofits movement, a series 116 circuit including the electro-motor theneedle returning means and the needle magnetizing coil, a shunt circuitfrom the series circuit around the motor and including the primaryswitch, and a shunt circuit from 120 the series circuit around theneedle returning means and including the motor operated switch.

12. In combination, a primary switch, a pivoted magnetic needlecooperating with said switch and adapted by its movement to open andclose the switch, a magnetizing coil surrounding said needle, magneticmeans acting through a relatively short period to move said needle toopen the pri- 1 mary switch, electro-magnetic means to return saidneedle to close the primary switch, a limited movement electro-motorrequiring a relatively long period for its operation, a normally closedswitch opened by said motor at the end of its movement, a normallyclosed main switch electro-magnetic means for opening said switch, aseries circuit including the electro-motor said main switch openingmeans said needle returning means and the needle magnetizing coil, ashunt circuit from the series circuit around said switch opening meansand including the primary switch, a shunt circuit from the seriescircuit around the electro- 15 motor and including the main switch, anda shunt circuit from the series circuit around the needle returningmeans and including the motor operated switch.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I 20 have hereunto subscribed myname this 24th day of May 1912.

EDGAR J. PACE.

Witnesses:

JAMES T. BARKELEW, CHAS. M. JILLSON, ELwooD H. BARKELEW.

